Fenske Lake
About Fenske Lake
Fenske Lake is a 108-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 43 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2017.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the US Forest Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Fenske Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Fenske Lake
- 108 acres, up to 43 feet deep, near Ely
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 10 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Fenske Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 108 acres
- Max depth
- 43 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 63 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 2 carry-in accesses
- Swim beach
- Camping: Fenske Lake Campground
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2017
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Fenske Lake Campground is mapped on or near Fenske Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fenske Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Everett Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely113 acres
0.9 miles away
East Twin Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely123 acres
1.8 miles away
High Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely274 acres
1.9 miles away
Grassy Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely257 acres
2.2 miles away
Nels Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely182 acres
2.3 miles away
Minister Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Ely56 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fenske Lake?
Fenske Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 108 acres and reaches 43 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fenske Lake?
Fenske Lake covers 108 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 43 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fenske Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco). A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Fenske Lake?
Yes. Fenske Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fenske Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Fenske Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Fenske Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Fenske Lake?
Yes. Fenske Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.